Pennsylvania Car Accident Guide
STATE RESOURCE GUIDE · SOURCES CHECKED OCTOBER 23, 2026
Find the right Pennsylvania crash-report agency, understand general filing periods, and organize your next steps.
Request your crash report
PSP’s service covers collisions investigated by Pennsylvania State Police and offers online or mail requests. For a local-police investigation, contact that department. Online applicants can search for a report, complete the request form, and pay after approval.
Pennsylvania State Police crash-report requests ↗
Watch for the approval and payment steps
PSP’s online process separates requesting, approval, and payment. Save the confirmation email and watch for follow-up instructions; submitting the application alone does not mean the report has been delivered.
General lawsuit filing periods
Personal injury: generally 2 years. Property damage: generally 2 years.
Section 5524 generally sets two years for personal-injury actions and tort claims for injury to property. The applicable start date and exceptions still need individual review.
These are general periods, not a calculation of your deadline. Government notice requirements, minors, wrongful death, insurance contracts, and other circumstances can change the rules. Ask a licensed attorney to check the relevant jurisdiction, claim type, and starting date promptly. Do not wait for a report, an insurer’s response, or a website reply before checking a deadline.
Check current road information
Agency traffic information helps with travel planning. It is not a complete record of every crash and does not establish fault. Check the source’s own update time. For an emergency, call 911.
Prepare a useful claim file
- Record the collision date, location, report number, and investigating agency.
- Keep original photographs and witness contact information.
- Save repair estimates, towing and storage invoices, and rental receipts.
- Track claim numbers, correspondence, and dates of insurer calls.
- List questions about reporting duties, insurance notice, and lawsuit deadlines separately.
Continue with the right resource
Accident checklist · Expense tracker · Consultation preparation · All state resources
Educational information, not legal advice. Sources checked October 23, 2026. No attorney review is represented. The linked agencies control their own access rules, fees, and procedures.